Thoughtful Insights. Humorous Observations.

Never Enough Space Food

Hundreds of space ice cream packets line the shelves of Space Center, Houston.

As a young boy, I had a strong desire to be an astronaut. There were two very important parts of the space program that had an impact on my desire: Tang and Space Ice Cream.

A visit to Space Center, Houston didn’t do anything to reduce that desire.

Standing in the gift shop, looking at cheesy t-shirts and coffee mugs, I came upon my muse and stood there, mouth agape. Row upon row of space ice cream stood there, taunting me; calling me to don a space helmet and do the moon walk.

I have a good life. My dog loves me. My family understands me. My job is challenging. My coworkers are entertaining. But, as I stood there, gazing at the sweets, I realized I would give it all up for the opportunity to drink the orangery, sugary Tang and eat that powdery, sugary ice cream and bounce along the lunar surface. And in that moment, I determined that I would look for the nearest astronaut recruiting station. There HAD to be one in this fun-house/museum.

But before I walked out of the gift shop, I realized I could just buy a pouch of the astronomic confection.

It’s that level of critical thinking of which NASA would have benefited. Thankfully for my dog and family, $6 kept me on the ground for now.